Forced unionism helps union bosses build front groups like “We Are Missouri” to broadcast their talking points. It also helps them buy political allies to fight reforms like the Freedom to Work Act proposed in the Missouri House.

What may be most striking, however, is how richly union bosses compensate themselves using money taken from workers who can avoid paying only by claiming a religious exemption, organizing a decertification election, or finding another job.

In Missouri, 268 union officers and employees were paid over $100,000 in fiscal year 2012, based on salaries and reimbursements reported to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

Following are several highlights from Missouri unions’ DOL reports, accompanied by a list of the state’s 25 highest-paid union bosses.

147 Missouri union officers and employees were paid more than $125,000

32 Missouri union officers and employees were paid more than $150,000

16 of the state’s 50 highest-paid union bosses worked for one union, International Association of Machinists District Lodge 142

12 of the state’s 50 highest-paid union employees worked for Carpenters’ District Council of Greater St. Louis and Vicinity

Keep these figures in mind when unions in Missouri and elsewhere — both directly, and through We Are Missouri and other front groups — insist they are fighting workplace freedom because it would harm workers.